CMC ICOS Biologics and Harpoon Therapeutics announced that they have entered into an agreement for the development and manufacturing of HPN424, HPN536, and HPN217, representing three TriTAC molecules for the treatment of various human cancers.
Harpoon Therapeutics’ TriTAC molecules are half-life extended and designed to simultaneously bind to cancer cells and T-cells, triggering those T-cells to attack the targeted cancer cells. These molecules contain three binding domains: one domain binds a specific tumor target, the second domain binds to human serum albumin, and the third domain binds to T-cells. Harpoon’s first clinical candidate, HPN424, a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting TriTAC, is in development for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and expected to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in 2018.
“We value our partnership with CMC Biologics as our CDMO for the development and manufacturing of our first wave of molecules entering the clinic,” said Gerald McMahon, Ph.D., President and CEO of Harpoon Therapeutics. “CMC Biologics’ exceptional track record, expertise and guidance, and unique capability to ensure accuracy and quality will play a significant role in the successful production of our TriTAC molecules.”
“With great strides being taken daily in the discovery and development of new oncology treatments, we’re delighted to be working with Harpoon Therapeutics on these exciting new TriTAC molecules, enabling CMC Biologics to participate in the roll-out of transformative new treatments with the potential to significantly impact patient lives,” said Gustavo Mahler, PhD, Chief Executive Officer & President of CMC Biologics. “Our advanced CHEF1 Expression Technology will facilitate production of high levels of recombinant protein in rapid time-frames, with a focus on an accelerated process, precise outputs, and excellence in service. We’re looking forward to working closely with Harpoon Therapeutics on this important endeavor.”